The MotoGP season has been fully kicked off with the return of Marc Marquez, but none of that in our monthly wrap up.
Triumph Scrambler 1200 with Steve McQueen Edition
Triumph has introduced its 2021 Scrambler 1200 lineup, the newly Euro 5-compliant line includes the XC, XE, and very limited Steve McQueen Edition.
All three 2021 Scrambler 1200s are powered by a 1200cc twin, high-mount exhaust features improved heat shielding and long-travel suspension offers 250mm of travel, both front and rear.
Brake-wise, you get Brembo M50 front calipers with twin 320mm floating discs to stop you up front, while a Brembo two-piston caliper and single-disc setup stop you in the rear.
All 2021 Scrambler 1200 variants get a long-travel aluminum swingarm, full-color TFT instrument panel, illuminated switches, keyless ignition, cruise control, and a USB charging port.
More about that special Steve McQueen-inspired bike.
It’s a limited-edition model, and only 1,000 will ever be made. Each will be numbered with a special handlebar clamp, with a laser-etched approximation of Steve McQueen’s signature above the bike’s production number. If you buy one, you’ll also receive a Certificate of Authenticity signed by both Triumph CEO Nick Bloor, as well as Steve’s son, Chad McQueen.
Ducati recall Multistrada V4
Ducati will be conducting a recall for the new 2021 Multistrada V4 due to a problem with the valve guides of the Granturismo engine, the material of which is out of specification.
The engine valve guides can show excessive wear. As a result, they can break off, with the result that the valve head can end up in the cylinder.
It is clear that this can cause the engine block to jam in one go. The specific action that Ducati will take has not yet been reported.
But government agencies worldwide are reporting that the entire engine block has indeed been replaced.
This will not have to happen with every Multistrada V4, because the valve guides are produced from two suppliers, one of which shows excessive wear.
It is not yet clear how many engines are involved.
Yamaha MT-07
The fact that this motorcycle is very important to Yamaha becomes clear when we add the sales figures. About one in five Yamahas sold is an MT-07. That makes sense, when you know that the motorcycle should be suitable for just about everyone. Starters will find, especially with the 35kW version, a light, manageable beginner bike, but the MT-07 offers in the unlimited version, with its 55kW (75hp), enough power to also serve more experienced motorcyclists. By keeping the price very favorable, the barrier to purchase also lowers a lot.
The newcomer is looking for a connection with the MT-10 and the MT-09, but it has been deliberately chosen to make the MT-07 the least aggressive of this trio, because in this way it appeals to a larger audience. Most notably, Yamaha has not equipped the MT-07 with the typical angry-looking twin headlights of the heavier MTs.
Yamaha promises with the MT-07 a motorcycle that anyone can use and that can be used anywhere and the mission seems to have been successful.
Triumph Street Scrambler and Sandstorm edition
The Street Scrambler range is based on the T100 Bonneville platform with a few tweaks to suspension, wheels, front brakes and cosmetics to make it a bit more rugged looking and to suggest it could go off-road.
But these models are firmly aimed towards street riding. We suspect it would appeal to the urban hipster crowd.
Don't let that put you off though, it should still be a good bike.
The new Street Scrambler range comes with a EURO5 compliant 900cc Bonneville engine delivering 65 bhp a healthy grant of 80 NM of torque low down the rev range.
Triumph are only making 775 of the more expensive Sandstorm edition, each will come with a unique personalized certification of authenticity.
Given the extra kit and exclusivity they have over the base model expect them to disappear from showroom floors faster than ice cream on a sunny day.
BMW and Harley are trading markets
This month we saw the first video's coming in of tests of the Pan America, Harley Davidson first take on the adventure touring bikes. As the reviews rolled in, they are all very positive.
They are even talking about a true competitor for the BMW GS(A)! BMW on the other hand is rumored to release a big touring/cruiser bike based on the R18.
It should be called the R18s, with batman-like fairings, bags, competing with the big cruisers from Harley Davidson and Indian. A strange world after all.
Honda CB350 RS
A leading figure from Honda India has confirmed talks are taking place to see if the CB350 can be exported to other markets.
The Honda CB350 RS could eventually become European and UK models in the future since this model is already meeting the European regulations, EURO5 remember.
Nothing is confirmed yet and there is a lot of questions still remaining over whether this could actually happen.
The Honda CB650RS a simple, cost-effective single-cylinder bike, with old-school charm and a high level of technology and spec when compared to the rivals, being foremost Norton's smaller capacity bikes.